Children’s Sermon

Mark 1:29-39

Finding a Quiet Place

Object suggested: Party hats and/or party decorations

Parties are fun. There is usually a lot of talking and laughing. There may be good food and games. Perhaps the house is decorated with balloons and special lights. When you go to a party it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of all that is going on around you.

There are other times when you must find a quiet place to be by yourself. Working on something that requires your attention, such as reading a book or working on homework, is best done where it is quiet. It is difficult to concentrate on other work while someone is trying to talk to you.

Jesus needed quiet times too. During his ministry he went to the house of two of his disciples, Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in the house and she was sick with a fever. Jesus “took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them” (1:31).

The story goes on to tell us that, “they brought to him all who were sick…” (1:32) and “all the city was gathered together at the door” (1:33). When the people who had been sick were cured and others saw what had happened, there must have been much excitement. It may have felt like a celebration, a party.

“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there” (1:35).

What we can learn from this story is that all of us need to have quiet times. Even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds, the noise, and the excitement so he could concentrate. He needed a very quiet place where he could pray.

Do you have a quiet place to go when you want to talk to God?

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible